And it's not something I knew how to bring up at all.

[ jude comes out of his hiding spot to look at 9s, slipping out of his grip just so he can remove his goggles for him and meet his eyes. this seems like something important enough to justify holding his gaze.

that's better. ]

I don't want to pressure you. And I never will. But it's still something I want to... figure out together. It's something that's been on my mind, and...

Don't get me wrong. I'm happy with the way things are. Happier than I ever could have imagined. But.

But...

[ truth serum or not, it's a struggle to get the words out. ]

You really don't think I'm selfish, for wanting more?